Gold IRA Storage Rules
For qualifying bullion to fit the statutory IRA exception, custody matters. The IRS describes physical-possession requirements involving a bank or approved non-bank trustee.
Why storage is not just a convenience choice
For personally owned gold outside an IRA, storage is mainly a security and insurance decision. Inside an IRA, custody can also affect tax compliance. That is why “home storage IRA” marketing deserves extra scrutiny.
Questions for a provider
- Who is the legal IRA custodian?
- Which depository will hold the metal?
- Is storage segregated or commingled?
- How is insurance described and documented?
- What is the annual storage charge?
- How are distributions or liquidation handled?
Tax caution: do not take personal possession of IRA metals based only on a sales pitch. Get qualified advice about the consequences first.